Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic ZS7

Here, we will be comparing the Olympus E-P3 versus Panasonic ZS7, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the ZS7 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and ZS7 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-P3 was manufactured around the same time to the ZS7 which means that they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS7 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the E-P3 grades versus the ZS7 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P3 Gallery & Panasonic ZS7 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P3 offers outer dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS7 has measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-P3 versus Panasonic ZS7 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you select at the time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the E-P3 against the ZS7.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P3 and ZS7 is 86 and 91 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing purely by looking at specs. The graphic below should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P3 and ZS7.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras feature the identical resolution albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E-P3 provides the bigger sensor which should make achieving shallower DOF simpler.